Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Henschen, Henry
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com November 9, 2007, 11:20 pm
Author: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County
HENRY HENSCHEN. It is through energy and determination that Mr. Henschen has
met with success in business. He is a well-known hardware merchant of Joliet,
where he was born September 30, 1862, and where his life has thus far been
spent. His father, August, was born in Saxony and followed the stone-cutter's
trade both in his native land and in Joliet, where he settled during the '50s.
He is still living in this city and makes his home on North Ottawa street, but
for some years has been retired from active labors. He married Margaret
Wilkins, who was born in Germany and at an early age came to Manhattan
Township, this county, with her father, Peter Wilkins, a farmer. Of nine
children born to the marriage four are living, Henry being the eldest of
these. He was educated in the Joliet schools. At eighteen years he was
apprenticed to the trades of tinsmith and plumber. His first work was of the
most humble nature, for he was put to blacking stoves and taking care of the
stock. Later he worked at the bench. When his apprenticeship was completed he
worked at his trade for Mr. Barrett and John Kammerman, rising by force of
ability and faithfulness until he held a remunerative position of
responsibility. On starting in business for himself Mr. Henschen opened a
store at No. 113 North Bluff street and continued in that location for three
years. In the spring of 1899 he completed the building which he had been
erecting at No. 109 North Bluff street. This is a three-story and basement
brick structure 25x80 feet, all of which he occupies, using the basement for
plumbing, the first floor for stoves and tinware and the remainder for the
storage of heavy hardware. He has built up a fine trade in the plumbing
business and has been given the contracts for the plumbing in some of the best
residences in the city and in a number of public buildings, including the
Orphans' Home. Besides his business he was for fifteen years connected with
the city fire department, but his business duties engrossed his attention to
such an extent that he resigned. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and in
religion has always been in sympathy with Lutheran doctrines. Fraternally he
is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor. The
marriage of Mr. Henschen took place in Joliet and united him with Miss Louisa
Homes, whose parents were pioneers of Mokena, this county, where she was born.
Three sons have been born of their union, Lawrence Henry, Arthur L. A. and
Elmer Henschen.
Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900
File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/henschen1003gbs.txt
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